Kempton Park Afro-Soul artist Mo’Soul returns with empowering new single Monalisa
She describes Afro-Soul as a genre that allows her to express herself emotionally, vocally and spiritually, offering the authenticity and healing she aims to give through her music.
Kempton Park-based Afro-Soul artist Mosa Koloko Gwamanda, popularly known as Mo’Soul, has made a striking return to the music scene with her latest single, Monalisa, officially released on November 24.
The song is a tribute to self-love and natural beauty, celebrating the value of embracing one’s imperfections. Mo’Soul describes Monalisa as a reminder that every individual is a piece of art.
“It’s a reminder that you are art, you are rare. And for me, it also marks a powerful comeback after five years of not releasing music,” she said.
Listeners have already responded positively to her return, sending messages expressing that the single makes them feel appreciated, seen, and confident.
“The reception has been so beautiful. People connect with it emotionally,” she said.
Born in Johannesburg and partly raised in Matatiele, Gwamanda relocated to Kempton Park in 2001, where she is now based.
Her sound blends Afro-pop, soulful piano, Afro-Soul, R&B, and contemporary African influences. She describes Afro-Soul as a genre that allows her to express herself emotionally, vocally, and spiritually, offering the authenticity and healing she aims to convey through her music.
“I don’t just sing to impress; I sing to connect,” she said.
Her passion for music began at the age of eight in a household filled with song, harmonising with whatever her parents played, laying the foundation for her professional career.
However, her journey paused in 2020 following her graduation, a year overshadowed by the Covid-19 national lockdown. The industry’s uncertainty, coupled with new family responsibilities, led her to step away temporarily.
“There was minimal movement in the industry, everything felt uncertain, and it became much harder to push my music the way I wanted to,” she said.
During her break, Gwamanda focused on motherhood, marriage, and personal growth. Her return in 2025 marks what she calls a personal rebirth.
Before her hiatus, Gwamanda had already made a name for herself as a rising force in the music and performance space. Her journey included singing in choirs, featuring on producers’ tracks, and pursuing a degree in live performance, majoring in musical performance.
In 2016, she officially adopted the stage name Mo’Soul and formed her band, establishing herself as a soulful live performer.
Her previous achievements include performing across South Africa, contributing soundtracks to the award-winning television series DiepCity, and joining the women-led creative collective I Am Her Xperience, alongside Amanda Black, Miss Pru, and Berita.
She has collaborated with respected artists and producers such as Berita, Amanda Black, Miss Pru, Jessica LM, Aymos, Teejay SA, Em-One, and PlayNevig. These milestones, she noted, laid the foundation for the artist she is today.
While music remains her core passion, Gwamanda also works as a virtual assistant, freelance graphic designer, and has recently ventured into appointment setting in the marketing field. She sees creativity as central to all her pursuits, describing her work as connected to storytelling and communication.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mo’Soul plans to release her debut album, collaborate with more artists, produce visuals, and expand her presence on national stages. She hopes to solidify Mo’Soul as a household name and inspire young African women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
“Everything I do is rooted in passion, resilience, and faith. My goal is to leave a mark wherever I go,” she said.
